What is a nation? The politics is hyperbolic, for me the powerful section is about America as a county, a nation and a state:

I’m not an Irish-American, I’m not a German-American, I’m not an Italian-American, I’m not even an Anglo-American. My whole life, I’ve only ever been an American.

Until I went to Russia. In Russia, “America” is a state (государство), but not a nationality (нация)….

In my youth, I could simply never understand what was a “country,” what was a “nation,” and what was a “state.” That’s because in my mind America was all three: a country (purple mountains majesty, sea to shining sea, etc.), a state (government, Constitution), and a nation (all of us Americans).

Travels:

OTA Hijinks: A fare too good to be true. I have seen this kiwi.com appearing in my recent searches, glad I did not mess with them for my recent Indonesia trip where it was incredible that everything worked out despite some close calls. Only solace in a flight delay in Indonesia is that you generally don’t need to worry that your onward connection will be on time.

A taxonomy of travel hackers. For people with others things to prioritize I still see credit card sign-ups as more lucrative than MS unless you are situation in a geography and lifestyle that fits current MS opportunities.

How Can I Help You? A tribute to Darren Booth and the origin of the Spirit of BoardingArea award.

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Matt

I’ve long put a lot of the blame on social media and its ability to connect niche communities (and their bespoke media) for the rise of post-fact politics. Who needs facts when you can incubate your own?

I hadn’t really stopped to consider the situation of such communities where there is no reliable media. We talk about such media giving voice to the oppressed…but there are some real downsides too.

Mark

Can you get over anti-Trump mood and stop being so angry? The election is over. Have you ever thought readers might also want to get back normal life? How are going to help with so many anti -Trump links?

@Mark – I opened with saying I took a break from the news, I had one interesting post from a comedy site, one from a travel hacker that I liked his statement on the concept of America if not all his political views, and an article on Facebook that seems relevant a year after it is written. Whether it is Trump or Clinton we as citizens need to grapple with a new presidency for more than a few days. I am highlighting plenty of other news but it is hard to ignore something so consequential for the country and world as a US presidential election, perhaps, especially, this one, so I am reflecting both my concerns and those of writers of various outlets. There is plenty more I am reading that is not included. I also regularly read many right leaning and right wing sources though they are focused on anti-Clinton invective still rather than charting a positive course for a Trump presidency. Scott Adams of Dilbert is perhaps the most convincing Trump advocate and he is not making the case based on any policies or personal conduct, rather for his persuasion skills.

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Start the weekend early: @Delta Sky Club DTW #hotdog now Thu and Fri, 2 pm till they run out

Date night travel hacking style, picking up my wife from work in a Mustang GT from Hertz President's Circle with Twist and Shout blasting on the satellite radio, she wore a biker jacket today so I had to get the car to match

As I was boarding, last 1% of battery, saw #Delta#747 my favorite 35J open up and snagged it! Yes, yes, yes! Phone then shut down​.

#Shanghai arrival meal: braised pork chops, caotou vegetable just in season, onion and bamboo shoot noodles, courtesy of my mother-in-law. And my wife doesn't arrive for a few hours! She took ANA biz, I stuck with Delta econ on an Amex Biz Plat pay with points 50% rebate

Though I can't pronounce a word, I enjoy the prominent use of Welsh all over Wales, all those consonets set the mood for castles in the mists of time

#Cardiff Airport looks like an office park warehouse, friendly staff inside and good amenities for a small airport, such as game room outside and inside security

Drat - denied #bubbletea in #Cardiff because my US credit card is chip and signature not chip and pin. Not going to an ATM just to sulk bag to that smug teenager!

That's a proper place for a drink in #Cardiff , but I am behind the wheel tonight, so I need a different refreshment

About Stefan

Stefan Krasowski has traveled to 189 countries and is an expert on international travel, frequent flyer programs, and travel credit cards. More About Stefan»

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